“Unexpected party” in Hobbiton for International Hobbit Day shows how the wee folk party every year

Last September 22 was International Hobbit Day, one of the biggest days on the international calendar (for the wee folk, that is).

Hobbit Day also falls on Bilbo and Frodo Baggins’ birthdays, so there has been lots of celebration going on at the Hobbiton Movie Set, located at Waikato, North Island.

Party like a Hobbit

Here’s what happened for this year’s Hobbit Day celebration. Take note that this happens every year!

Hairy feet and lembas bread was the order of the day at Hobbiton Movie Set last September 22.

Happy Hobbits are set to party, celebrating not only International Hobbit Day but the birthdays of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins.

An ‘unexpected party’ of fans took guided tour of the Shire at dusk experiencing the Hobbiton Movie Set as the sun sets over the Matamata countryside. The group meandered through the 12 acre site in the Waikato region on New Zealand’s North Island, recounting the details of how the movie set was created.

Arriving at The Green Dragon Inn in front of open fires, visitors were able to toast the birthday boys as well as all Hobbits with the specially made Southfarthing™ range of drinks. Two traditional ales, an apple cider and non-alcoholic ginger beer, all handcrafted, will be available because all Hobbits like a wee tipple, especially on International Hobbit Day.

The Marketplace created a bustling, vibrant experience with individually themed stalls bursting with traditional Hobbit fare. The market stalls will consist of New Zealand cheeses, freshly baked artisan breads, cured meats, smoked fish, and of course fresh produce from the Hobbiton gardens.

Live entertainment added to the atmosphere and one could be forgiven for thinking they had been transported right into one of Tolkien’s books.

It wouldn’t be a celebration worthy of a Hobbit without a full buffet dinner. Second helpings will be encouraged and even thirds for the Peregrin Took’s of the group.

To finish guests received an authentic handheld lantern to light the way back through the Shire. This stunning journey under moonlight will travel through the village breathtakingly lit up with Hobbit hole chimney’s smoking and lanterns glowing against the darkness.

Want to feel what it’s like to be in Hobbiton?

Ever wanted to visit the Hobbiton land? You can check out this interactive 360 degree view of the Hobbiton Movie Set right here. You can also view it below:

Here are some interesting facts about the Hobbiton Movie Set:

• Film set area: covers approximately 12 acres
• Hobbit houses: 44 Hobbit Holes
• Party tree: 70 – 80 metres tall
• Construction: 70 set builders
• Catering: During production, three meals were served daily to cast and crew, plus snacks on demand for 600+ people
• Gardens: 2.3km of hedges; 30 – 200 plants around each Hobbit house
• Ground staff: 7 – 8 gardeners during height of season, 5 in winter
• Traditional ales, cider and non-alcoholic ginger beer, all brewed exclusively for Hobbiton, are served from barrels behind the bar at the Green Dragon Inn.
• The set is a two-hour drive from Auckland and within easy access of other North Island tourist destinations including Rotorua, Waitomo, Tauranga and the city of Hamilton.

If you missed International Hobbit Day this year, you can always go next year, where they have special events and experiences at the movie set annually!